Faith in the right Fear

At a Zoom meeting tonight for our ministry organization we were reminded by a preacher that often times we say faith over fear.  Sometimes though, we also need to put our faith in the right type of fear.  In Proverbs it talks about how the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.  

Personally, I've wrestled through different seasons and thoughts about the fear of God.  Often people talk of it as an 'awe' type of thing.  But I read it more literally I suppose.  When people in the Bible come in contact with God, they are terrified.  Isaiah said how he was unworthy and was terrified.  There's a reason we say, "He put the fear of God in that boy."

My relationship with God has evolved in many ways.  One of those is to acknowledge that while God is called our Friend He is also our Lord and should be feared and revered appropriately.  Perfect Love casts out fear.  So, if we fear God than we don't fear anything else.

A high school counselor once told me "Fear not" is the most common commandment in the Bible.  I haven't cross referenced that but it makes sense.  God knows it's only human to fear things and situations in life.  But then He reminds us that if we have Him in proper perspective He drives out that fear.

So, fear God, and nothing else.  And be welcomed into His Presence when He purifies you and makes you holy as he did with the prophet Isaiah after the initial terror he experienced.  Come confidently before the throne of God but make sure to do it in a reverent manner, acknowledging that He is Lord and King along with so many other names in Scripture.

This is so much easier said than done and that's partly why I'm writing this, to remind myself of these truths.  Anxiety can creep in so easily these days during this pandemic.  But let's remind ourselves that God is still in control and this didn't take Him by surprise.  Let's put our faith in the One who alone can save us.